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Theodore Roosevelt, Jr.
Origin: Oyster Bay Cove,
New York
(September 13, 1887 - July 12, 1944)
Heroic Values: Achievement, Caring, Courage, Integrity
Background
As the oldest son of President Theodore Roosevelt, "Teddy" followed his father into politics after completing a degree at Harvard and succeeding in the business world. He became the Governor of Puerto Rico and then the Governor-General of the Philippines. The election of his relative, Franklin, as president ended Teddy's political career as there was bad blood between the families.
When World War I began Teddy volunteered to serve. He was a popular leader; at one point he bought boots for his whole battalion. He was involved in the creation of The American Legion as a way to improve troop morale.
In World War II Teddy went to North Africa where he was regarded as a great leader. He regularly visited troops on the front line and dressed casually to fit in. This style put him at odds with General Patton who dismissed him from his post. Roosevelt went to England where he was made part of the D-Day invasion after pestering those in charge. He wanted to ensure there was appropriate leadership on the beaches and was the only general to land in the first wave. His actions at Utah Beach were vital to the success of the invasion.
He died from heart complications before the end of the year, while in France and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. General Omar Bradley described Roosevelt's actions as the single most heroic action he had ever seen in combat.
Sources
Wikipedia
The online encyclopedia
Medal of Honors on Film
Roosevelt's page
theodore-roosevelt.com
Junior's page